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http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1084747&auth=BY+STEPHEN+UHLER%2c+STAFF+WRITER
Members of Devil's Brigade meet their modern-day counterparts
Posted By BY STEPHEN UHLER, STAFF WRITER
They all consider themselves members of an elite brotherhood, separated by only 60 plus years of experience.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment or CSOR played host to a small group of special guests at the Jubilee Lodge, veterans of the First Special Service Force, the legendary joint Canadian/U. S. unit known as the Devil's Brigade.
The SSF, a precursor to today's special forces, fought with distinction during the Second World War, serving in Italy, but also taking part in operations in Alaska and France.
The informal gathering was held several hours before CSOR's regimental dinner, and served to further cement the close bonds between the SSF veterans and their modern counterparts.
CSOR formed in 2006, and just recently received permission to accept the SSF's battle honours from the Canadian section of the unit, strengthening the historic ties between the two. Now, CSOR has singled out four members of the Devil's Brigade by naming unit trophies after them.
The Sgt. William "Sam" McGee, Sgt. Charlie Mann, Lt. Col. JFR Akehurst and Sgt. Herb Peppard Awards are being inaugurated at this year's dinner, each of which will recognize individual excellence in soldiering within CSOR.
Mr. Mann, Mr. McGee and Mr. Peppard were on hand to take part in this moment; Donald Akehurst was invited to Petawawa to represent his late father Lt. Col. Akehurst.
Addressing the gathering, Col. Jamie Hammond, CSOR commander, said his unit is proud to acknowledge those who went before them, and creating these awards is another step.
"We put these together to honour the kind of things you did before us," he said, which serve as examples for all soldiers to follow.
Each of the trophies' namesakes had distinguished himself in the service, which made it a difficult task to select just four SSF members, Col. Hammond said, for all members of the unit were exemplary.
Still, working closely with the First Special Service Force Association, a list of four was compiled.
"Each represents the types of attributes we want to recognize in our people," he said.
Mr. Mann thanked CSOR, saying he is extremely proud to be selected for this honour, especially by a unit which is a successor to the Special Service Force.
"It's great to know we have a unit like CSOR," he said. "You are so much like us in the SSF it is hard to tell us apart."
Mr. McGee echoed the sentiment, telling the soldiers gathered around what a joy it is to see them.
"It is great to see you here today following in our footsteps," he said.
Mr. Akehurst said his father never spoke about his experiences with the Devil's Brigade, but he learned what kind of man he was by attending reunions with him.
"I got such a strong impression from those who served with him," he said, as everyone who talked about Lt. Col. Akehurst described him as a soldier's soldier.
"I really appreciate being here today to represent him," Mr. Akehurst said.
Jack Calloway and George Simms, both veterans of the SSF who were in attendance, said they appreciated all that CSOR has been doing to keep the traditions alive.
"We're the first band of brothers," Mr. Calloway said, "and after 60 years, we still get together, and we still remember."
Mr. Simms, who first saw CFB Petawawa as a 17-year-old reservist on the eve of the Second World War, said there is no doubt the veterans are all very proud to see this new regiment carry on.
He said there's 102 Canadians left from of the original Special Service Force, so "we're very proud to be passing on our colours and traditions to you."
Members of Devil's Brigade meet their modern-day counterparts
Posted By BY STEPHEN UHLER, STAFF WRITER
They all consider themselves members of an elite brotherhood, separated by only 60 plus years of experience.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment or CSOR played host to a small group of special guests at the Jubilee Lodge, veterans of the First Special Service Force, the legendary joint Canadian/U. S. unit known as the Devil's Brigade.
The SSF, a precursor to today's special forces, fought with distinction during the Second World War, serving in Italy, but also taking part in operations in Alaska and France.
The informal gathering was held several hours before CSOR's regimental dinner, and served to further cement the close bonds between the SSF veterans and their modern counterparts.
CSOR formed in 2006, and just recently received permission to accept the SSF's battle honours from the Canadian section of the unit, strengthening the historic ties between the two. Now, CSOR has singled out four members of the Devil's Brigade by naming unit trophies after them.
The Sgt. William "Sam" McGee, Sgt. Charlie Mann, Lt. Col. JFR Akehurst and Sgt. Herb Peppard Awards are being inaugurated at this year's dinner, each of which will recognize individual excellence in soldiering within CSOR.
Mr. Mann, Mr. McGee and Mr. Peppard were on hand to take part in this moment; Donald Akehurst was invited to Petawawa to represent his late father Lt. Col. Akehurst.
Addressing the gathering, Col. Jamie Hammond, CSOR commander, said his unit is proud to acknowledge those who went before them, and creating these awards is another step.
"We put these together to honour the kind of things you did before us," he said, which serve as examples for all soldiers to follow.
Each of the trophies' namesakes had distinguished himself in the service, which made it a difficult task to select just four SSF members, Col. Hammond said, for all members of the unit were exemplary.
Still, working closely with the First Special Service Force Association, a list of four was compiled.
"Each represents the types of attributes we want to recognize in our people," he said.
Mr. Mann thanked CSOR, saying he is extremely proud to be selected for this honour, especially by a unit which is a successor to the Special Service Force.
"It's great to know we have a unit like CSOR," he said. "You are so much like us in the SSF it is hard to tell us apart."
Mr. McGee echoed the sentiment, telling the soldiers gathered around what a joy it is to see them.
"It is great to see you here today following in our footsteps," he said.
Mr. Akehurst said his father never spoke about his experiences with the Devil's Brigade, but he learned what kind of man he was by attending reunions with him.
"I got such a strong impression from those who served with him," he said, as everyone who talked about Lt. Col. Akehurst described him as a soldier's soldier.
"I really appreciate being here today to represent him," Mr. Akehurst said.
Jack Calloway and George Simms, both veterans of the SSF who were in attendance, said they appreciated all that CSOR has been doing to keep the traditions alive.
"We're the first band of brothers," Mr. Calloway said, "and after 60 years, we still get together, and we still remember."
Mr. Simms, who first saw CFB Petawawa as a 17-year-old reservist on the eve of the Second World War, said there is no doubt the veterans are all very proud to see this new regiment carry on.
He said there's 102 Canadians left from of the original Special Service Force, so "we're very proud to be passing on our colours and traditions to you."
